The firewood market is currently experiencing a price surge which worries consumers. This significant increase is explained by various factors and directly impacts the cost of the cubic meter for the coming winter. Let's analyze the causes of this increase and look at the forecast for the cold season.
The reasons for the increase in the price of firewood
Several elements contribute to the increase in the cost of firewood:
- L’explosion in demand due to the rise in prices of alternative energies
- L’increased transportation costs linked to the surge in fuel prices
- THE climatic hazards affecting production and supply
- THE forest management policies influencing the availability of wood
These factors combined create a tension in the marketleading to a general increase in prices. According to the latest estimates, the price of the stere now oscillates between 70 and 120 euros on average, with significant variations depending on region and wood species.
Firewood prices vary considerably from region to region, reflecting disparities in local supply and demand. In certain urban areas or regions far from forests, prices can even exceed 150 euros per stere.
Factors influencing the cost of stere
The price of a cubic meter of wood is determined by several criteria:
| Criteria | Impact on price |
|---|---|
| Type of wood | Oak and beech more expensive than birch |
| Quality (humidity level) | More expensive dry wood |
| Packaging | Pallets generally less expensive than nets |
| Length of logs | Increasing price for shorter logs |
| Provenance | Variation depending on transport distance |
To optimize your purchase, it is recommended to compare offers and take these different parameters into account. The choice of wood impacts not only the budget but also the efficiency of heating.
Strategies to reduce the impact of rising prices
Faced with increasing costs, here are some tips for saving on your firewood:
- Anticipate your purchases : order in spring or summer to benefit from more advantageous prices.
- Choose quality wood : favor species with a high calorific value such as oak or beech.
- Check the humidity level : dry wood (less than 20% humidity) offers better performance.
- Compare suppliers : explore local (sawmills, cooperatives) and online options.
- Improve the insulation of your home : reduce your overall wood consumption.
Despite the rise in prices, wood remains an economical option for heating. According to data from the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the average cost of kWh produced by wood amounted to 7.15 cents in 2023well below other energy sources such as natural gas (10.50 cents) or electricity (20.67 cents).
Outlook for the coming winter
The forecasts for the 2024-2025 winter season suggest a price stabilization at a high level. Consumers will have to adapt to this new reality of the firewood market. It is essential to carefully plan your wood needs for the winter and adopt responsible purchasing and consumption practices.
To estimate your needs, take into account the surface area of your home, its insulation, and the type of heating used. For information only:
- 3 to 5 cubic meters per year for accommodation of less than 50 m²
- 6 to 10 cubic meters for a home of around 100 m²
- 10 to 15 steres for a house exceeding 150 m²
These figures may vary depending on the efficiency of your heating system and the climatic conditions in your area. By optimizing your consumption and choosing your wood wisely, you will be able to mitigate the impact of rising prices while enjoying efficient and ecological heating.
